Priming apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A priming system including a resilient chamber having flexible walls and a first check valve in a first fluid pathway between the resilient chamber and a fluid reservoir such that a fluid flows through the first check valve only in a direction from the fluid reservoir toward the resilient chamber and the fluid returns to the fluid reservoir through a second fluid pathway between the resilient chamber and the fluid reservoir upon compression of the walls of the resilient chamber.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/712,634,filed on May 14, 2015, entitled “PRIMING APPARATUS AND METHOD,” thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entiretyfor all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to a fluid delivery primingsystem. More particular, it relates to a priming device to remove airfrom within tubing coupled to a medical fluid reservoir.

Fluid delivery systems are widely used to transmit and deliver medicalfluids, such as medical treatments and blood, to patients. When thefluid is delivered intravenously, it is important to release air fromthe fluid delivery system to prevent introduction of air into apatient's blood stream. Often, a medical practitioner releases airtrapped in the fluid delivery system by directing a liquid in themedical fluid reservoir through tubing until the trapped air isreleased. After the air is released, the liquid in the tubing begins tobe released until the fluid flow path is closed.

SUMMARY

The procedure of flushing trapped air in a fluid delivery system isoften conducted over a receptacle, and in some instances (e.g., withchemotherapy treatment), repeated contact with the medical fluid maybecome harmful to the medical practitioner. In many applications, it isdesirable to retain the liquid and gasses of the medical fluid bled fromthe system, thereby preventing exposure to the medical practitioner.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a priming systemcomprising: a resilient chamber having flexible walls; and a first checkvalve in a first fluid pathway between the resilient chamber and a fluidreservoir, wherein a fluid flows through the first check valve only in adirection from the fluid reservoir toward the resilient chamber; whereinthe fluid returns to the fluid reservoir through a second fluid pathwaybetween the resilient chamber and the fluid reservoir upon compressionof the walls of the resilient chamber.

According to certain implementations of the present disclosure, thefirst fluid pathway and the second fluid pathway extend through ahousing fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir. In some instances, thehousing comprises a drip chamber between the fluid reservoir and firstcheck valve, wherein the first fluid pathway extends through the dripchamber. In certain implementations, the second fluid pathway extendsthrough the drip chamber.

In certain instances of the present disclosure, the resilient chamberwalls expand when the fluid is driven from the fluid reservoir, throughthe first check valve, and into the resilient chamber. In someimplementations, the resilient chamber walls contract and direct thefluid therein through the second fluid pathway and into the fluidreservoir.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a second check valve isdisposed in the second fluid pathway between the resilient chamber andthe fluid reservoir, wherein a fluid flows through the second checkvalve only in a direction from the resilient chamber to the fluidreservoir. In some implementations, the resilient chamber ishemispherically shaped. Some embodiments provide a hingedly coupledretaining member, wherein in a closed position, the retaining memberengages the resilient chamber, such that the resilient chamber walls areimpeded from expanding. In some instances, the resilient chamber is anelongated cylinder.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a priming devicecomprising: a housing having a first fluid pathway and a second fluidpathway; a resilient chamber having flexible walls, wherein the firstfluid pathway and the second fluid pathway are fluidly coupled to theresilient chamber; a first check valve in the first fluid pathway suchthat a fluid flow through the first check valve is only in a directiontoward the resilient chamber; wherein compression of the resilientchamber walls directs a fluid out of the resilient chamber and throughthe second fluid pathway. According to certain implementations of thepresent disclosure, the housing comprises a drip chamber such that afluid received into the first fluid pathway is driven through the dripchamber and the first check valve before entering into the resilientchamber.

In certain instances of the present disclosure, the resilient chamberwalls are expanded by the fluid driven into the resilient chamber. Insome instances, when not manually depressed, the resilient chamber wallsare configured to expand, and expansion of the resilient chamber wallsdraws a fluid received through the first fluid pathway into theresilient chamber. In some implementations, the resilient chamber ishemispherically shaped. Some embodiments provide a retaining ring iscoupled to the housing such that the resilient chamber extends throughand is retained by the retaining ring.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a second check valve isdisposed in the second fluid pathway such that a fluid flow through thesecond check valve is only in a direction away from the resilientchamber. In certain embodiments, the first fluid pathway and the secondfluid pathway each comprises an opening through the housing, eachopening being juxtaposed through a portion of the housing, and therebyforming defining a spike. In some embodiments, the first fluid pathwaycomprises an inlet port. In some instances, the port comprises aflexible valve, wherein in a sealed position the valve seals the inletport, and in an open position, the valve does not seal the inlet port.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of priming,comprising the steps of: receiving a fluid into a first fluid pathway ofa housing; directing the fluid through a first check valve in the firstfluid pathway and into a resilient chamber having flexible walls;manually compressing the flexible walls and directing the fluid througha second fluid pathway.

According to certain implementations of the present disclosure,directing the fluid into the resilient chamber causes the flexible wallsto expand. Some embodiments provide the step of directing the fluidthrough a second check valve in the second fluid pathway. Certainembodiments provide the step of receiving the fluid into the first fluidpathway from a fluid reservoir. Some instances provide the step ofdirecting the fluid from the second fluid pathway to the fluidreservoir. Some embodiments provide the step of directing the fluidthrough a drip chamber coupled to the first fluid pathway between thefluid reservoir and the first check valve.

Additional features and advantages of the subject technology will be setforth in the description below, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the subject technology.The advantages of the subject technology will be realized and attainedby the structure particularly pointed out in the written description andclaims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the subject technology asclaimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide furtherunderstanding of the subject technology and are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this description, illustrate aspects of the subjecttechnology and, together with the specification, serve to explainprinciples of the subject technology.

FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of a priming system in accordance withaspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a flowchart illustrating operation of a priming system inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a priming device inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the priming device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A illustrates a front sectional view of the priming device of FIG.2.

FIG. 4B illustrates a front sectional view of a portion of the primingdevice of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a priming device inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the priming device of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7A illustrates a top view of the priming device of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7B illustrates a top sectional view of the priming device of FIG.5.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front sectional view of the priming device of FIG.5.

FIG. 9 illustrates a partially exploded front perspective view of anembodiment of a priming device in accordance with aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of the priming device of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 illustrates a front sectional view of the priming device of FIG.9.

FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a priming device inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the priming device of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 illustrates a front sectional view of the priming device of FIG.12.

FIG. 15 illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of apriming device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 illustrates a front sectional view of the priming device of FIG.15.

FIG. 17 illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of apriming device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 illustrates a top view of the priming device of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 illustrates a side view of the priming device of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 illustrates a front view of the priming device of FIG. 17.

FIG. 21 illustrates a side sectional view of the priming device of FIG.17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, specific details are set forth toprovide an understanding of the subject technology. It will be apparent,however, to one ordinarily skilled in the art that the subjecttechnology may be practiced without some of these specific details. Inother instances, well-known structures and techniques have not beenshown in detail so as not to obscure the subject technology.

A phrase such as “an aspect” does not imply that such aspect isessential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to allconfigurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to anaspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations.An aspect may provide one or more examples of the disclosure. A phrasesuch as “an aspect” may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. Aphrase such as “an embodiment” does not imply that such embodiment isessential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies toall configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating toan embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments.An embodiment may provide one or more examples of the disclosure. Aphrase such “an embodiment” may refer to one or more embodiments andvice versa. A phrase such as “a configuration” does not imply that suchconfiguration is essential to the subject technology or that suchconfiguration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Adisclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations,or one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or moreexamples of the disclosure. A phrase such as “a configuration” may referto one or more configurations and vice versa.

FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of a priming system 100 having ahousing 102, a resilient chamber 104, a check valve 106, a drip chamber108, and a fluid reservoir 110. Referring to FIG. 1B, a flowchartillustrates operation of a priming system in accordance with aspects ofthe present disclosure. A priming device housing is fluidly coupled withthe fluid reservoir in step 902. Fluid is driven from the fluidreservoir, through the housing and a drip chamber in step 904. From thedrip chamber, the fluid is directed through a check valve and into aninlet of a resilient chamber in step 906. Compression of the resilientchamber causes the fluid, which comprises a liquid and a gas, to bedriven from an outlet of the resilient chamber in step 908. The liquidand gas are then directed from the resilient chamber back to the fluidreservoir in step 910. During this operation, liquid from the fluidreservoir is drawn through the priming system, thereby causing the gasto be collected within the fluid reservoir. This operation is repeateduntil gases trapped within the priming system, or more specificallywithin tubing of the priming system, are reduced to a satisfactory levelor until the gasses are sufficiently collected within or conducted tothe fluid reservoir. In some instances, the gasses are sufficientlycollected within or conducted to the fluid reservoir when there aresubstantially no visible air bubbles or pockets contained in tubing ofthe priming system. Once the gas is reduced to a satisfactory level, theoutlet of the resilient chamber can be redirected from the fluidreservoir to a patient or a pump in step 912. In some embodiments, theoutlet of the resilient chamber is removably coupled with the fluidreservoir through a needleless medical connector.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4B, embodiments of a priming device are illustratedhaving a resilient chamber 204 and a check valve 206. The priming deviceincludes a housing 202, which can include a spike portion 214 configuredto be inserted into a port of a fluid reservoir. A tip of the spikeportion 214, distal from the housing, includes an inlet passage 216 andan outlet passage 218. The housing further includes an opening 220fluidly coupled with the inlet passage 216. The housing also includes ahousing port 222 fluidly coupled with the outlet passage 218.

When the spike portion 214 is inserted into a port of a fluid reservoir,the inlet passage 216 permits conduction of a fluid from within thefluid reservoir to enter the housing 202 or to travel from the housing202 into the fluid reservoir. The outlet passage 218 also permits fluidconduction between the housing 202 and the fluid reservoir. In someembodiments, the inlet passage 216 primarily functions to conduct afluid from within the fluid reservoir to the housing 202, and the outletpassage 218 functions to conduct fluid from the housing 202 to the fluidreservoir.

A portion of the housing 202, opposite the tip of the spike portion 214,forms a circumferential ridge 224 around the opening 220. A drip chamber208 forming, for example, an elongated cylinder is coupled to theopening 220 of the housing 202. An open first end 226 of the dripchamber 208 is inserted over the circumferential ridge 224 such that theopening 220 is fluidly coupled with the drip chamber 208.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, a resilient chamber 204 is fluidly coupled tothe housing port 222 through a manifold 258 such that the check valve206 is between the fluid reservoir and the resilient chamber 204. Thecheck valve 206 limits a fluid flow only a direction from the fluidreservoir toward the resilient chamber 204, and prevents a fluid fromflowing toward the fluid reservoir through the inlet passage 216 whenpressure within the resilient chamber 204 is increased (e.g., when theresilient chamber 204 is compressed).

The resilient chamber 204 is shaped as a cylinder having a domed portionand an opening opposite the domed portion. A flange 232 surrounds theopening and extends radially outward from the resilient chamber 204. Theresilient chamber 204 comprises a resilient material such that thecylinder walls and domed portion return to a neutral shape after beingexpanded or compressed. The material and shape are selected such thatafter being deformed by compression, the resilient chamber 204 hassufficient expansive force to draw in fluid from the fluid reservoir. Insome embodiments, the resilient chamber 204 is composed of a materialsuch as nylon, polyurethane, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), orpolyvinyl chloride. However, the resilient chamber 204 can be otherelastomers. In some embodiments, the thickness of the resilient chamber204 is from 0.015″ to 0.100″ and has a Shore hardness from A 20 to 80.

The opening of the resilient chamber 204 is coupled to a portion of themanifold 258 forming a seat 234. The seat 234 includes a circumferentialplanar surface configured to receive and enclose the opening of theresilient chamber 204. In some embodiments, a plane formed by thesurface of the flange 232 is received within a ridge formed around theperimeter of the seat 234. The resilient chamber 204 is retained againstthe seat 234 by a circumferential retaining ring 236 which extendsaround the resilient chamber 204 and couples with the ridge portion ofthe seat 234. When the retaining ring 236 is coupled to the seat 234,the flange 232 of the resilient chamber 204 is captured between theretaining ring 236 and seat 234 to form a fluid-tight seal between theresilient chamber 204 and the manifold 258.

The manifold 258 comprises an inlet port 238 and an outlet port 240. Insome embodiments, the inlet port 238 and the outlet port 240 form afluid passages that extends coaxially through the manifold 258 and seat234. A check valve 206 (e.g., a first check valve) is retained withinthe inlet port 238, thereby limiting a fluid flow only a directionthrough the manifold 258 toward the resilient chamber 204. When theresilient chamber 204 is compressed, pressure within the chamber isincreased. The increased pressure drives the fluid out of the resilientchamber 204. Due to the check valve 206 in the inlet port 238, the fluidis directed from the resilient chamber 204 through the outlet port 240.

In some embodiments, the inlet port 238 includes a needleless medicalconnector 212. The needleless medical connector 212 includes a valve 246disposed within the inlet port 236. In a sealed position the valve 246seals the inlet port 238, and in an open position, the valve 246 doesnot seal the inlet port 238.

The outlet port 240 of the manifold 258 is fluidly coupled with thehousing port 222. In some embodiments, the outlet port 240 includes acheck valve 244 (e.g., a second check valve), thereby limiting a fluidflow only a direction through the manifold 258 from the resilientchamber 204 toward the housing port 222. In some embodiments the checkvalve 244 is retained in the coupling between the outlet port 240 andthe housing port 222, or in the outlet passage 218 of the housing 202.In some embodiments, the check valves 206 and 244 are a duckbilled checkvalve. However, the check valves 206 and 244 may be any type of valvethat normally allows fluid to flow through the valve in only onedirection, such as an umbrella valve or disk valve.

In operation, the spike portion 214 is inserted into a port of a fluidreservoir (FIG. 1A) such that the inlet passage 216 and the outletpassage 218 are in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. Fluidfrom the fluid reservoir begins to enter the housing 202 through theinlet passage 216. The fluid, which may contain both liquid and gas,passes through the opening 220 of the housing 202 and begins to fill thedrip chamber 208 and a segment of tubing (not shown) coupled to anopening at a second end 228 of the drip chamber 208. To prepare thesystem for patient use, the tubing should be substantially free of gasby flushing the tubing with liquid from the fluid reservoir until thegas is substantially removed from the tubing and the tubing of thesystem is filled with liquid. This process is called priming the fluiddelivery system.

The fluid delivery system is primed by coupling a second end of thetubing to the inlet port 238 of the manifold 258. To begin priming, theresilient chamber 204 must be at least partially filled with the fluid.In some embodiments, the fluid is driven into the resilient chamber 204by compressing the fluid reservoir or the drip chamber 208. In anembodiment, fluid is drawn into the resilient chamber 204 by compressingand releasing the resilient chamber 204. As the compressed resilientchamber 204 returns to its neutral shape, fluid is drawn from the fluidreservoir into the resilient chamber 204. In either instance, the fluidpasses through the check valve 206 of the inlet port 238 as it entersthe resilient chamber 204. Next, the resilient chamber 204 iscompressed, thereby driving the liquid and gas through the outlet port240 of the resilient chamber 204. The liquid and gas are prevented, orimpeded, from exiting the resilient chamber 204 through the inlet port238 by the check valve 206. The liquid and gas exiting the resilientchamber 204 through the outlet port 240 are then directed through theoutlet passage 218 of the housing 202 and into the fluid reservoir.

As the resilient chamber 204 is repeatedly compressed and released,liquid from the fluid reservoir is drawn into the priming system andfluid, containing liquid and gas, is returned into the fluid reservoir.Once gas is no longer present in the fluid delivery system, or reducedto a satisfactory level (e.g., such that there are substantially novisible bubbles or pockets of gas throughout the tubing of the system),the second end of the tubing may be disconnected from the inlet port 238and redirected to a catheter, pump, or other delivery device fordelivery of the fluid to the patient.

Referring to FIGS. 5-8, an embodiment of a priming device is illustratedhaving a resilient chamber 304 and a check valve 306. The priming deviceincludes a housing 302 having a spike portion 314 configured to beinserted into a port of a fluid reservoir. A tip of the spike portion314, distal from the housing, includes an inlet passage 316 and anoutlet passage 318. The housing further includes an opening 320 fluidlycoupled with the inlet 316.

Similar to that described above with respect to certain embodimentsdepicted in FIGS. 2-4B, except as expressly contradicted below, when thespike portion 314 is inserted into a port of a fluid reservoir, theinlet passage 316 permits conduction of a fluid from within the fluidreservoir to enter the housing 302 or to travel from the housing 302into the reservoir. The outlet passage 318 also permits fluid conductionbetween the housing 302 and the fluid reservoir.

A portion of the housing 302, opposite the tip of the spike portion 314,forms a circumferential ridge 324 around the opening 320. A drip chamber308 forming an elongated cylinder is coupled to the opening 320 of thehousing 302. An open first end 326 of the drip chamber 308 is insertedover the circumferential ridge 324 such that the opening 320 is fluidlycoupled with the drip chamber 208.

In some embodiment, a portion of the housing extends radially outwardfrom an axis defined by the spike portion 314 to form a base 348. An endof the base 348, distal from the housing 302, comprises a planar surfaceforming a seat 334. The base 348 includes an inlet port 338 and anoutlet port 340 forming fluid passages that extend coaxially through theseat 334 of the base 348.

Referring to FIGS. 6-8, a resilient chamber 304 is coupled to the seat334 of the housing 302 such that the check valve 306 is between thefluid reservoir and the resilient chamber 304. The check valve 306limits a fluid flow only a direction from the fluid reservoir toward theresilient chamber 304, and prevents a fluid from flowing toward thefluid reservoir through the inlet passage 316 when pressure within theresilient chamber 304 is increased (e.g., when the resilient chamber 304is compressed).

The resilient chamber 304 is shaped as a cylinder having a domed portionand an opening opposite the domed portion. A flange 332 surrounds theopening and extends radially outward from the resilient chamber 304. Theresilient chamber 304 comprises a resilient material such that thecylinder walls and domed portion will return to neutral shape afterbeing expanded or compressed. The material and shape are selected suchthat after being deformed by compression, the resilient chamber 304 hassufficient expansive force to draw in fluid from the fluid reservoir. Insome embodiments, the material is the same as, or is structurally and/orfunctionally equivalent to that described above in connection with FIGS.2-4B.

When the opening of the resilient chamber 304 is placed against the seat334, the opening of the resilient chamber 304 is received and enclosedby the seat 334. A plane formed by the surface of the flange 332 isreceived within a ridge formed around the perimeter of the seat 334. Theresilient chamber 304 is retained against the seat 334 by acircumferential retaining ring 336 which extends around the resilientchamber 304 and couples with the ridge portion of the seat 334. When theretaining ring 336 is coupled to the seat 334, the flange 332 iscaptured between the retaining ring 336 and seat 334 to form afluid-tight seal.

The inlet port 338 extends through the base 348 and the seat 334. Thecheck valve 306 is retained within the inlet port 338, thereby limitinga fluid flow only a direction toward the resilient chamber 304.

When the resilient chamber 304 is compressed, pressure within thechamber is increased. The increased pressure drives the fluid out of thechamber. Due to the check valve 306 in the inlet port 338, the fluid isdirected from the resilient chamber 204 through the outlet port 340.

In some embodiments, the inlet port 338 includes a needleless medicalconnector 312. The needleless medical connector 312 includes a valve 346disposed within the inlet port 336. In a sealed position the valve 346seals the inlet port 338, and in an open position, the valve 346 doesnot seal the inlet port 338.

Referring to FIGS. 7B and 8, the outlet port 340 is fluidly coupled withthe outlet passage 318 of the spike portion 314. Referring to FIG. 6,the outlet port 340 is shaped as a well extending through the planarsurface of the seat 334, partially toward into the base 348 in adirection toward the spike portion 314 of the housing 302. In someembodiments, the outlet port 340 includes a check valve 344 to limit afluid flow through the check valve 344 only a direction away from theresilient chamber 304. In some embodiments, the check valve 306 is aduckbilled check valve. However, the check valve 306 may be any type ofvalve that normally allows fluid to flow through the valve in only onedirection, such as an umbrella valve or disk valve.

In some embodiments the check valve 344 is seated in a cradle 350 havinga fluid passage therethrough. In an embodiment, the cradle 350 is shapedas a cylinder having an open first end with notches through the cylinderwall, and an open second end with a circumferential ridge extendingpartially inward from the circumference of the cylinder. The open firstend of the cradle 350 is then inserted into the outlet port 340 with thecheck valve 344 therein such that a fluid may flow through the opensecond end of the cradle 350 and check valve 344. In some embodiments,the cradle 350 is press fit into the outlet port 344 from the planarsurface of the seat 334. In some embodiments, the cradle 350 is coupledto the outlet port 344 using a bonding material or other ultrasonicwelding.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a retaining member 352 is illustrated inan open position and closed position, respectively. In some embodiments,the retaining member 352 is cylindrical having an open first end, aclosed second end, and an inner cavity. The open first end of theretaining member 352 comprises an inner cross-sectional width that islarger than the cross-section of the resilient chamber 304. A protrusion354 extends into the inner cavity from the inner surface of the closedsecond end. In the closed position, the open first end of the retainingmember 352 is affixed to the housing 302 such that the resilient chamber304 extends into the inner cavity. In the closed position, theprotrusion 354 engages the resilient chamber 304 such that the walls anddomed portion are impeded from expanding. In some embodiments, theprotrusion 354 is a dome inversely oriented to the dome of the resilientchamber 304 when the retaining member 352 is in a closed position. Insome embodiments, the distance between the open first end and closedsecond end of the retaining member 352 is less than a length of theresilient chamber 304, such that in the closed position the innersurface engages the resilient chamber 304. The retaining member 352 ispreferably coupled to the housing 302 by a hinge 356. In someembodiments, retaining member 352 is rotatably coupled to the retainingring 336 by a living hinge 356. In some embodiments, the open first endof the retaining member 352, and the retaining ring 336, comprise matingthreads such that the retaining member 352 can be threadably attached tothe retaining ring 336.

In operation, the spike portion 314 is inserted into a port of a fluidreservoir (not shown) such that the inlet passage 316 and the outletpassage 318 are in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. Fluidfrom the fluid reservoir begins to enter the housing 302 through theinlet passage 316. The fluid, which may contain both liquid and gas,passes through the opening 320 of the housing 302 and begins to fill thedrip chamber 308 and a segment of tubing (not shown) coupled to anopening at a second end 328 of the drip chamber 308. To remove the gas,the fluid delivery system must be primed.

The fluid delivery system is primed by coupling a second end of thetubing to the inlet port 338 of the seat 334. To begin priming, theresilient chamber 304 must be at least partially filled with the fluid.In some embodiments, the fluid is driven into the resilient chamber 304by compressing the fluid reservoir or the drip chamber 308. In someembodiments, fluid is drawn into the resilient chamber 304 bycompressing and releasing the resilient chamber 304. As the compressedresilient chamber 304 returns to its neutral shape, fluid is drawn fromthe fluid reservoir into the resilient chamber 304. In either instance,the fluid passes through the check valve 306 of the inlet port 338 as itenters the resilient chamber 304. Next, the resilient chamber 304 iscompressed, thereby driving the liquid and gas through the outlet port340 of the resilient chamber 304. The liquid and gas are prevented, orimpeded, from exiting the resilient chamber 304 through the inlet port338 by the check valve 306. The liquid and gas exiting the resilientchamber 304 through the outlet port 340 are then directed through theoutlet passage 318 of the housing 302 and into the fluid reservoir.

As the resilient chamber 304 is repeatedly compressed and released,liquid from the fluid reservoir is drawn into the priming system andfluid, containing liquid and gas, is returned into the fluid reservoir.Once gas is no longer present in the fluid delivery system, or reducedto a satisfactory level, the second end of the tubing may bedisconnected from the inlet port 338 and redirected to a catheter, pump,or other delivery device for delivery of the fluid to the patient.Additionally, the retaining member 352 is affixed to the housing 302such that the resilient chamber 304 remains compressed, and to preventaccess to the resilient chamber 304 is prevented. Retaining theresilient chamber 304 in a compressed state reduces the amount ofundeliverable fluid remaining within the device after priming.

Referring to FIGS. 9-11, an embodiment of a priming device isillustrated having a resilient chamber 404 and a check valve 406. Thepriming device includes a housing 402 having a spike portion 414configured to be inserted into a port of a fluid reservoir. A tip of thespike portion 414, distal from the housing, includes an inlet passage416 and an outlet passage 418. The housing further includes an opening420 fluidly coupled with the inlet passage 416 and a housing port 422fluidly coupled with the outlet 418.

When the spike portion 414 is inserted into a port of a fluid reservoir(not shown), the inlet passage 416 permits conduction of a fluid fromwithin the fluid reservoir to enter the housing 402, and the outlet 418permits a fluid to return from the housing 402 into the fluid reservoir.

A portion of the housing 402, opposite the tip of the spike portion 414,forms a circumferential ridge 424 around the opening 420. A drip chamber408 forming an elongated cylinder is coupled to the opening 420 of thehousing 402. An open first end 426 of the drip chamber 408 is insertedover the circumferential ridge 424 such that the opening 420 is fluidlycoupled with the drip chamber 408.

A resilient chamber 404 is fluidly coupled to the housing port 422through a manifold 458 such that the check valve 406 is between thefluid reservoir and the resilient chamber 404. The check valve 406limits a fluid flow only a direction from the fluid reservoir toward theresilient chamber 404, and prevents a fluid from flowing toward thefluid reservoir through the inlet passage 416 when pressure within theresilient chamber 404 is increased (e.g., when the resilient chamber 404is expanded).

The resilient chamber 404 is a bag or balloon having flexible walls. Theresilient chamber 404 comprises a resilient material such that the wallswill return to neutral shape after being expanded or compressed. Thematerial and shape are selected such that after expanding, the resilientchamber 404 has sufficient restorative force to drive fluid out of theresilient chamber 404 and into the fluid reservoir. In some embodiments,the resilient chamber 244 is composed of a material such as nylon,polyurethane, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polyvinyl chloride.However, the resilient chamber 404 can be other elastomers. In someembodiments the thickness of the resilient chamber 404 is from 0.015″ to0.100″ and has a Shore hardness from A 20 to 80.

Referring to FIG. 11, the manifold 458 is cylindrically shaped with anopen inlet end and an open outlet end opposing the inlet end. An inletport 438 is formed by a circumferential ridge along the inner surface ofthe manifold and offset a distance from the inlet end. An outlet port440 is formed by a circumferential ridge along the inner surface of themanifold and offset a distance from the outlet end. An intermediatechamber 464 is formed in the manifold 458 between the inlet port 438 andthe outlet port 440. The resilient chamber 404 is coupled to a passageextending through a wall of the manifold 458 into the intermediatechamber 464.

The check valve 406 is retained within the manifold 458, between theinlet end 460 and the inlet port 438, thereby limiting a fluid flow onlya direction through the manifold 458 from the inlet end 460 toward theintermediate chamber 464. When the resilient chamber 404 is expanded,pressure within the chamber is increased. As the restorative force ofthe resilient chamber 404 causes the walls to compress, the pressuredrives the fluid out of the resilient chamber 404. Due to the checkvalve 406 in the inlet port 438, the fluid is directed from theresilient chamber 404 through the outlet port 440.

In some embodiments, the inlet end 460 includes a needleless medicalconnector 412. The needleless medical connector 412 includes a valve 446disposed within the manifold 458, between the inlet end 460 and inletport 436. In a sealed position the valve 446 seals the inlet port 438,and in an open position, the valve 446 does not seal the inlet port 438.

In some embodiments, the outlet port 440 includes a check valve 444,thereby limiting a fluid flow only a direction through the manifold 458from the resilient chamber 404 toward the intermediate chamber 464. Insome embodiments, the check valve 444 is retained in the couplingbetween the outlet port 440 and the housing port 422, or in the outletpassage 418 of the housing 402. In some embodiments, the check valves406 and 444 are a duckbilled check valve. However, the check valves 406and 444 may be any type of valve that normally allows fluid to flowthrough the valve in only one direction, such as an umbrella valve ordisk valve.

In operation, the spike portion 414 is inserted into a port of a fluidreservoir (not shown) such that the inlet passage 416 and the outletpassage 418 are in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. Fluidfrom the fluid reservoir begins to enter the housing 402 through theinlet passage 416. The fluid, which may contain both liquid and gas,passes through the opening 420 of the housing 402 and begins to fill thedrip chamber 408 and a segment of tubing (not shown) coupled to anopening at a second end 428 of the drip chamber 408. To remove the gas,the fluid delivery system must be primed.

The fluid delivery system is primed by coupling a second end of thetubing to the inlet port 438 of the manifold 458. To begin priming, theresilient chamber 404 must be at least partially filled with the fluid.In some embodiments, the fluid is driven into the resilient chamber 404by compressing the fluid reservoir or the drip chamber 408. The fluidpasses through the check valve 406 of the inlet port 438 as it entersthe resilient chamber 404. After fluid ceases to be driven into theresilient chamber 404, for example, by stopping compression of the fluidreservoir or the drip chamber 408, the restorative force of theresilient chamber 404 drives liquid and gas out of the resilient chamber404 and through the outlet port 440. The liquid and gas are preventedfrom exiting the manifold 458 through the inlet port 438 by the checkvalve 406. The liquid and gas exiting the resilient chamber 404 throughthe outlet port 440 are then directed through the outlet passage 418 ofthe housing 402 and into the fluid reservoir.

As the resilient chamber 404 is repeatedly expanded and contracted, oras the fluid reservoir is compressed, liquid from the fluid reservoir isdrawn or directed into the priming system and fluid containing liquidand gas is returned into the fluid reservoir. Once gas is no longerpresent in the fluid delivery system, or reduced to a satisfactorylevel, the second end of the tubing may be disconnected from the inletport 438 and redirected to a catheter, pump, or other delivery devicefor delivery of the fluid to the patient. Because the restorative forceof the resilient chamber 404 causes it to return to a neutral shape, theamount of undeliverable fluid remaining within the resilient chamber 404is reduced.

Referring to FIGS. 12-14, an embodiment of a priming device isillustrated having a resilient chamber 504 and a check valve 506. Thepriming device includes a housing 502 having a spike portion 514configured to be inserted into a port of a fluid reservoir (not shown).A tip of the spike portion 514, distal from the housing, includes aninlet passage 516 and an outlet passage 518. The housing furtherincludes an opening 520 fluidly coupled with the inlet passage 216 and ahousing port 522 fluidly coupled with the outlet passage 518.

When the spike portion 514 is inserted into a port of a fluid reservoir,the inlet passage 516 permits conduction of a fluid from within thefluid reservoir to enter the housing 502, and the outlet 518 permits afluid to return from the housing 502 into the fluid reservoir.

The check valve 506 is coupled to the inlet passage 516 between thefluid reservoir and the resilient chamber 504. The check valve 506limits a fluid flow only a direction from the fluid reservoir toward theresilient chamber 504, and prevents a fluid from flowing toward thefluid reservoir through the inlet passage 516 when pressure within theresilient chamber 504 is increased (e.g., when the resilient chamber 504is compressed).

A portion of the housing 502, opposite the tip of the spike portion 514,forms a circumferential ridge 524 around the opening 520. A resilientchamber 504 (e.g., a drip chamber or priming bulb) forming an elongatedcylinder is affixed to the circumferential ridge 524 and fluidly coupledwith the opening 520 of the housing 502. An open first end 526 of theresilient chamber 504 is inserted over the circumferential ridge 524such that the opening 520 is fluidly coupled with the resilient chamber504. The resilient chamber 504 comprises a resilient material such thatthe cylinder walls return to a neutral shape after being expanded orcompressed. The material and shape are selected such that after beingdeformed by compression, the resilient chamber 504 has sufficientexpansive force to draw in fluid from the fluid reservoir.

The check valve 506 is retained in the opening 520, thereby limiting afluid flow only a direction through the housing 502, from the inletpassage 516 toward the resilient chamber 504. In some embodiments thecheck valve 506 is seated in a cradle 550 having a fluid passagetherethrough. In an embodiment, the cradle 550 is shaped as a cylinderhaving an open first end and an open second end with a circumferentialridge extending partially inward from the circumference of the cylinder.The open first end of the cradle 550 is affixed around the opening 520such that the check valve 506 is retained between the opening 520 andcircumferential ridge of the open second end. In an embodiment, thecradle 550 is press fit onto the opening 520.

The housing port 522 includes a check valve 544, thereby limiting afluid flow only a direction from the housing port 522 toward the outlet518. In an embodiment, the check valves 506 and 544 are a duckbilledcheck valve. However, the check valves 506 and 544 may be any type ofvalve that normally allows fluid to flow through the valve in only onedirection, such as an umbrella valve or disk valve. In some embodiments,the housing port 522 includes a needleless medical connector 512. Theneedleless medical connector 512 includes a valve 546 disposed betweenthe housing port 522 and check valve 544. In a sealed position the valve546 seals the housing port 522, and in an open position, the valve 546does not seal the housing port 522.

In operation, the spike portion 514 is inserted into a port of a fluidreservoir (not shown) such that the inlet passage 516 and the outletpassage 518 are in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. Fluidfrom the fluid reservoir begins to enter the housing 502 through theinlet passage 516. The fluid passes through the opening 520 of thehousing 502 and begins to fill the resilient chamber 504 coupled to asecond end 528 of the resilient chamber 504. The fluid which initiallybegins to fill the resilient chamber 504 may contain both liquid andgas. To remove the gas, the fluid delivery system must be primed.

The fluid delivery system is primed by coupling the second end 528 ofthe resilient chamber 504 with the housing port 522 through tubing. Tobegin priming, the resilient chamber 504 must be at least partiallyfilled with the fluid. In some embodiments, the fluid is driven into theresilient chamber 504 by compressing the fluid reservoir. In someembodiments, fluid is drawn into the resilient chamber 504 bycompressing and releasing the resilient chamber 504. As the compressedresilient chamber 504 returns to its neutral shape, fluid is drawn fromthe fluid reservoir into the resilient chamber 504. In either instance,the fluid passes through the check valve 506 at the opening 520 as itenters the resilient chamber 504. Next, the resilient chamber 504 iscompressed, thereby driving the liquid and gas through the second end528 of the resilient chamber 504. The liquid and gas are prevented, orimpeded, from exiting the resilient chamber 504 through the inlet port538 by the check valve 506. The liquid and gas exiting the resilientchamber 504 through the second end 528 are then directed through tubingto the housing port 522 and into the fluid reservoir.

As the resilient chamber 504 is repeatedly compressed and released,liquid from the fluid reservoir is drawn into the priming system andfluid, containing liquid and gas, is returned into the fluid reservoir.Once gas is no longer present in the fluid delivery system, or reducedto a satisfactory level, the tubing may be disconnected from the housingport 522 and redirected to a catheter, pump, or other delivery devicefor delivery of the fluid to the patient.

Referring to FIGS. 15-16, an embodiment of a priming device isillustrated having a resilient chamber 604 and a check valve 606. Thepriming device includes a cylindrically shaped resilient chamber 604having an open first end and an open second end. The resilient chamber604 comprises a resilient material such that the cylinder walls returnto a neutral shape after being expanded or compressed. The material andshape are selected such that after being deformed by compression, theresilient chamber 604 has sufficient expansive force to draw in fluidfrom a fluid reservoir through the first end.

Between the fluid reservoir and the resilient chamber 604, a check valve606 limits a fluid flow only a direction from the fluid reservoir towardthe resilient chamber 604, and prevents a fluid from flowing toward thefluid reservoir through an inlet passage 616 of the resilient chamber604 when pressure within the chamber is increased (e.g., when theresilient chamber 604 is compressed).

An inlet port 638 is coupled to the first end of the resilient chamber604, and an outlet port 640 is coupled to the second end of theresilient chamber 604. Each of the inlet port 638 and the outlet port640 comprise a first portion and a second portion. The inlet passage 616extends through the first portion and second portion of the inlet port638 and an outlet passage 618 extends through the first portion andsecond portion of the outlet port 640.

The first portion of the inlet port 638 and the outlet port 640comprises an inner cylindrical wall surrounded by an outer cylindricalwall. The outer diameter of the inner cylindrical wall is less than aninner diameter of a tube such that the tube extends between the innercylindrical wall and the outer cylindrical wall when coupled to thefirst portion. The second portion of the inlet port 638 and the outletport 640 comprises and inner cylindrical wall surrounded by an outercylindrical wall. The outer diameter of the inner cylindrical wall isless than an inner diameter of resilient chamber 604 cylinder walls suchthat the resilient chamber 604 extends between the inner cylindricalwall and the outer cylindrical wall when coupled to the second portion.A valve seat 668 extends around the inlet passage 616 at the secondportion of the inlet port 638. The valve seat 668 has an innercross-sectional width that is greater than or equal to the outercross-sectional width of the check valve 606 retained within the valveseat 668.

In some embodiments the check valve 606 is retained in the valve seat bya cradle 650 having a fluid passage therethrough. In an embodiment, thecradle 650 is shaped as a cylinder having an open first end and an opensecond end with a ridge extending partially inward from thecircumference of the cylinder. The open first end of the cradle 650 isaffixed around the valve seat 668 such that the check valve 606 isretained between the valve seat and the ridge of the cradle 650.

The check valve 606 limits a fluid flow only a direction through theinlet port 638 toward the resilient chamber 604. When the resilientchamber 604 is compressed, pressure within the chamber is increased. Theincreased pressure drives the fluid out of the resilient chamber 604.Because there is a check valve 606 in the inlet port 638, the fluid isdirected from the resilient chamber 604 through the outlet port 640.

The depth of the valve seat 669 at the outlet port 640 is greater thanthe depth of valve seat 668 at the inlet port 638. The greater valveseat 669 depth permits the check valve 644 to be installed in anorientation to permit a fluid flow only a direction from the resilientchamber 604 through the outlet port 640.

In some embodiments, the check valves 606 and 644 are a duckbilled checkvalve. However, the check valves 606 and 644 may be any type of valvethat normally allows fluid to flow through the valve in only onedirection, such as an umbrella valve or disk valve.

In operation, the inlet port 638 is fluidly coupled with a fluidreservoir (not shown) such that the inlet passage 616 is in fluidcommunication with the fluid reservoir. Fluid from the fluid reservoirbegins to enter the resilient chamber 604 by passing through the inletpassage 616 and check valve 606. The fluid which initially begins tofill the resilient chamber 604 may contain both liquid and gas. Toremove the gas, the fluid delivery system must be primed.

The fluid delivery system is primed by coupling the outlet port 640 withthe fluid reservoir through tubing. To begin priming, the resilientchamber 604 is partially filled with the fluid. In some embodiments, thefluid is driven into the resilient chamber 604 by compressing the fluidreservoir. In some embodiments, fluid is drawn into the resilientchamber 604 by compressing and releasing the resilient chamber 604. Asthe compressed resilient chamber 604 returns to its neutral shape, fluidis drawn from the fluid reservoir into the resilient chamber 604. Ineither instance, the fluid passes through the check valve 606 as itenters the resilient chamber 604. Next, the resilient chamber 604 iscompressed, thereby driving the liquid and gas through the outletpassage 618 of the resilient chamber 604. The liquid and gas areprevented, or impeded, from exiting the resilient chamber 604 throughthe inlet passage 616 by the check valve 606. The liquid and gas exitingthe resilient chamber 604 through the outlet passage 618 are thendirected from the outlet port 640 to the fluid reservoir through tubing.

As the resilient chamber 604 is repeatedly compressed and released,liquid from the fluid reservoir is drawn into the priming system andfluid, containing liquid and gas, is returned into the fluid reservoir.Once gas is no longer present in the fluid delivery system, or reducedto a satisfactory level, the tubing may be disconnected from the fluidreservoir and redirected to a catheter, pump, or other delivery devicefor delivery of the fluid to the patient.

Referring to FIGS. 17-21, an embodiment of a priming device isillustrated having a resilient chamber 704 and a check valve 706. Thepriming device includes a housing 702 having an inlet passage 716 and anoutlet passage 718. The inlet passage 716 extends from an inlet port 738to the resilient chamber 704, and is configured to receive a fluid froma fluid reservoir. An outlet passage 718 extends from the resilientchamber 704 to an outlet port 741 configured to direct a fluid away fromthe resilient chamber 704.

The check valve 706 is coupled to the inlet passage 716 between thefluid reservoir and the resilient chamber 704. The check valve 706limits a fluid flow only a direction from the fluid reservoir toward theresilient chamber 704, and prevents a fluid from flowing toward thefluid reservoir through the inlet passage 716 when pressure within theresilient chamber 704 is increased (e.g. when the resilient chamber 704is compressed).

The inlet port 738 and the outlet port 740 comprise an inner cylindricalwall surrounded by an outer cylindrical wall. The outer diameter of theinner cylindrical wall is less than an inner diameter of a tube suchthat the tube extends between the inner cylindrical wall and the outercylindrical wall when coupled to the first portion.

A portion of the housing 702 comprises a planar surface forming a seat734 for coupling of the resilient chamber 704 to the housing 702. Theinlet passage 716 and the outlet passage 718 extend coaxially throughthe seat 734. A valve seat 768 and 769 is formed at the intersection ofthe inlet passage 716 and the outlet passage 718 with the seat 734,respectively.

The resilient chamber 704 is shaped as a cylinder having a domed portionand an opening opposite the domed portion. A flange 732 surrounds theopening and extends radially outward from the resilient chamber 704. Theresilient chamber 704 comprises a resilient material such that thecylinder walls and domed portion will return to neutral shape afterbeing expanded or compressed. The material and shape are selected suchthat after being deformed by compression, the resilient chamber 704 hassufficient expansive force to draw in fluid from a fluid reservoircoupled to the inlet port 738. In some embodiments, the material is thesame as, or is structurally and/or functionally equivalent to thatdescribed above in embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2-8.

When the opening of the resilient chamber 704 is placed against the seat734, the opening of the resilient chamber 704 is received and enclosedby the seat 734. A plane formed by the surface of the flange 732 isreceived within a ridge formed around the perimeter of the seat 734. Theresilient chamber 704 is retained against the seat 734 by acircumferential retaining ring 736 which extends around the resilientchamber 704 and couples with the ridge portion of the seat 734. When theretaining ring 736 is coupled to the seat 734, the flange 732 iscaptured between the retaining ring 736 and seat 734 to form afluid-tight seal.

In some embodiments, the outlet passage 718 includes a check valve 744,thereby limiting a fluid flow only a direction from the resilientchamber 704 toward the outlet port 740. When the resilient chamber 704is compressed, pressure within the chamber is increased. The increasedpressure drives the fluid out of the resilient chamber 704. Becausethere is a check valve 706 in the inlet port 738, the fluid is directedfrom the resilient chamber 704 through the outlet port 740. In someembodiments, the check valves 706 and 744 are duckbilled check valves.However, the check valves 706 and 744 may be any type of valve thatnormally allows fluid to flow through the valve in only one direction,such as an umbrella valve or disk valve.

In some embodiments, both the check valves 706 and 744 are retainedwithin the valve seats 768 and 769 by a cradle 751 having a one or morefluid passage therethrough. The cradle 751 is shaped as a cup having anopen first end and an open second end with a ridge extending partiallyinward from the second end of the cylinder. The open first end of thecradle 751 is then inserted into the valve seats 768 and 769 to retainthe check valves 706 and 744. When affixed to the valve seats 768 and769, the check valve 706 of the inlet passage 716 extends through theopen second end of the cradle 751, while the check valve 744 of theoutlet passage 718 away from the cradle 350. In some embodiments, eachcheck valve 706 and 744 may be retained in the valve seats 768 and 769by individual cradles 751.

In operation, the inlet port 738 is fluidly coupled with a fluidreservoir (not shown) such that the inlet passage 716 is in fluidcommunication with the fluid reservoir. Fluid from the fluid reservoirbegins to enter the resilient chamber 704 by passing through the inletpassage 716 and the check valve 706. The fluid which initially begins tofill the resilient chamber 704 may contain both liquid and gas. Toremove the gas, the fluid delivery system must be primed.

The fluid delivery system is primed by coupling the outlet port 740 withthe fluid reservoir through tubing. To begin priming, the resilientchamber 704 must be at least partially filled with the fluid. In someembodiments, the fluid is driven into the resilient chamber 704 bycompressing the fluid reservoir. In some embodiments, fluid is drawninto the resilient chamber 704 by compressing and releasing theresilient chamber 704. As the compressed resilient chamber 704 returnsto its neutral shape, fluid is drawn from the fluid reservoir into theresilient chamber 704. In either instance, the fluid passes through thecheck valve 706 as it enters the resilient chamber 704. Next, theresilient chamber 704 is compressed, thereby driving the liquid and gasthrough the outlet passage 718 of the resilient chamber 704. The liquidand gas are prevented or impeded from exiting the resilient chamber 704through the inlet passage 716 by the check valve 706. The liquid and gasexiting the resilient chamber 704 through the outlet passage 718 arethen directed from the outlet port 740 to the fluid reservoir throughtubing.

As the resilient chamber 704 is repeatedly compressed and released,liquid from the fluid reservoir is drawn into the priming system andfluid, containing liquid and gas, is returned into the fluid reservoir.Once gas is no longer present in the fluid delivery system, or reducedto a satisfactory level, the tubing may be disconnected from the fluidreservoir and redirected to a catheter, pump, or other delivery devicefor delivery of the fluid to the patient.

The foregoing description is provided to enable a person skilled in theart to practice the various configurations described herein. While thesubject technology has been particularly described with reference to thevarious Figures and configurations, it should be understood that theseare for illustration purposes only and should not be taken as limitingthe scope of the subject technology.

There may be many other ways to implement the subject technology.Various functions and elements described herein may be partitioneddifferently from those shown without departing from the scope of thesubject technology. Various modifications to these configurations willbe readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and generic principlesdefined herein may be applied to other configurations. Thus, manychanges and modifications may be made to the subject technology, by onehaving ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the scope ofthe subject technology.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in theprocesses disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Basedupon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order orhierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged. Some of the stepsmay be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims presentelements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to belimited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series ofitems, with the term “and” or “or” to separate any of the items,modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list (i.e.,each item). The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection ofat least one of each item listed; rather, the phrase allows a meaningthat includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least oneof any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of theitems. By way of example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or“at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C;any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, andC.

Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear” and the like as used inthis disclosure should be understood as referring to an arbitrary frameof reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame ofreference. Thus, a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, and arear surface may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, orhorizontally in a gravitational frame of reference.

Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or the likeis used in the description or the claims, such term is intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” isinterpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other embodiments.

A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “oneand only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.”Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neutergender (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. The term “some” refers to oneor more. Underlined and/or italicized headings and subheadings are usedfor convenience only, do not limit the subject technology, and are notreferred to in connection with the interpretation of the description ofthe subject technology. All structural and functional equivalents to theelements of the various configurations described throughout thisdisclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinaryskill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference andintended to be encompassed by the subject technology. Moreover, nothingdisclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless ofwhether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description.

While certain aspects and embodiments of the subject technology havebeen described, these have been presented by way of example only, andare not intended to limit the scope of the subject technology. Indeed,the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in avariety of other forms without departing from the spirit thereof. Theaccompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover suchforms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of thesubject technology.

What is claimed is:
 1. A priming device comprising: a housing having afirst fluid pathway and a second fluid pathway; a resilient chamberhaving flexible walls, wherein the first fluid pathway and the secondfluid pathway are fluidly coupled to the resilient chamber; a firstcheck valve in the first fluid pathway such that a fluid flow throughthe first check valve is only in a direction toward the resilientchamber; wherein compression of the resilient chamber walls directs afluid out of the resilient chamber and through the second fluid pathway.2. The priming device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a dripchamber such that a fluid received into the first fluid pathway isdriven through the drip chamber and the first check valve beforeentering into the resilient chamber.
 3. The priming device of claim 2,wherein the resilient chamber walls are expanded by the fluid driveninto the resilient chamber.
 4. The priming device of claim 1, whereinwhen not manually depressed, the resilient chamber walls are configuredto expand, and expansion of the resilient chamber walls draws a fluidreceived through the first fluid pathway into the resilient chamber. 5.The priming device of claim 1, wherein the resilient chamber ishemispherically shaped.
 6. The priming device of claim 5, wherein aretaining ring is coupled to the housing such that the resilient chamberextends through and is retained by the retaining ring.
 7. The primingdevice of claim 1, wherein a second check valve is disposed in thesecond fluid pathway such that a fluid flow through the second checkvalve is only in a direction away from the resilient chamber.
 8. Thepriming device of claim 1, wherein the first fluid pathway and thesecond fluid pathway each comprises an opening through the housing, eachopening being juxtaposed through a portion of the housing, and therebyforming defining a spike.
 9. The priming device of claim 1, wherein thefirst fluid pathway comprises an inlet port.
 10. The priming device ofclaim 9, wherein the port comprises a flexible valve, wherein in asealed position the valve seals the inlet port, and in an open position,the valve does not seal the inlet port.
 11. A method of priming,comprising the steps of: receiving a fluid into a first fluid pathway ofa housing; directing the fluid through a first check valve in the firstfluid pathway and into a resilient chamber having flexible walls;manually compressing the flexible walls and directing the fluid througha second fluid pathway.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein directingthe fluid into the resilient chamber causes the flexible walls toexpand.
 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step ofdirecting the fluid through a second check valve in the second fluidpathway.
 14. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step ofreceiving the fluid into the first fluid pathway from a fluid reservoir.15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of directing thefluid from the second fluid pathway to the fluid reservoir.
 16. Themethod of claim 14, further comprising the step of directing the fluidthrough a drip chamber coupled to the first fluid pathway between thefluid reservoir and the first check valve.